U.S. patent application number 16/694424 was filed with the patent office on 2021-05-27 for vehicle sound attenuation.
This patent application is currently assigned to Ford Global Technologies, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Ford Global Technologies, LLC. Invention is credited to Hani Mohammad Ayesh, Sumanth Reddy Dadam, Vinod Kumar Ravi.
Application Number | 20210155258 16/694424 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004518242 |
Filed Date | 2021-05-27 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20210155258 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dadam; Sumanth Reddy ; et
al. |
May 27, 2021 |
Vehicle Sound Attenuation
Abstract
Vehicle sound attenuation systems and methods are provided
herein. An example method includes determining a triggering event
for a vehicle using an advanced driver assisted technology system,
and controlling a sound enhancing system of the vehicle in response
to the triggering event. Controlling the sound enhancing system may
include attenuating engine or exhaust sound produced by the sound
enhancing system of the vehicle.
Inventors: |
Dadam; Sumanth Reddy;
(Dearborn, MI) ; Ravi; Vinod Kumar; (Canton,
MI) ; Ayesh; Hani Mohammad; (Canton, MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Ford Global Technologies, LLC |
Dearborn |
MI |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Ford Global Technologies,
LLC
Dearborn
MI
|
Family ID: |
1000004518242 |
Appl. No.: |
16/694424 |
Filed: |
November 25, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04S 2420/01 20130101;
B60W 50/14 20130101; B60W 2050/143 20130101; F01N 1/166 20130101;
F01N 13/08 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B60W 50/14 20060101
B60W050/14; F01N 13/08 20060101 F01N013/08; F01N 1/16 20060101
F01N001/16 |
Claims
1. A method, comprising: determining a triggering event for a
vehicle using an advanced driver assisted technology system; and
controlling a sound enhancing system of the vehicle in response to
the triggering event, wherein controlling the sound enhancing
system includes attenuating engine or exhaust sound produced by the
sound enhancing system of the vehicle.
2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising providing an
audible warning sound in response to the triggering event.
3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the triggering event
includes any of a lane departure warning, road curvature detection,
and collision detection.
4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the sound enhancing
system includes an exhaust tuning valve system, and controlling the
exhaust tuning valve system comprises closing a valve of the
exhaust tuning valve system.
5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the sound enhancing
system includes an engine sound enhancement system, and controlling
the engine sound enhancement system includes zeroing out an
amplitude of a sound enhancement signal of the engine sound
enhancement system, the sound enhancement signal comprising a
virtual engine or exhaust sound.
6. A system, comprising: a sound enhancing system of a vehicle; and
a controller comprising a processor and memory, the processor
executing instructions stored in memory to: determine a triggering
event for a vehicle, the triggering event being indicative of a
dangerous driving condition for the vehicle; and control the sound
enhancing system of the vehicle in response to the triggering
event, wherein control of the sound enhancing system includes
attenuation of engine or exhaust sound produced by the sound
enhancing system of the vehicle.
7. The system according to claim 6, wherein the controller
comprises an advanced driver assisted technology system.
8. The system according to claim 6, wherein the controller is
further configured to control an engine of the vehicle to reduce
engine noise or sounds produced by the engine.
9. The system according to claim 6, further comprising an
entertainment system of the vehicle, wherein the controller is
configured to cause the entertainment system to output an audible
warning sound in response to the triggering event.
10. The system according to claim 6, wherein the sound enhancing
system comprises an exhaust tuning valve system having an
adjustable position valve, wherein the controller is configured to
cause a valve to close in response to the triggering event to
attenuate exhaust sounds produced by the exhaust tuning valve
system.
11. The system according to claim 6, wherein the sound enhancing
system comprises an engine sound enhancement system, wherein the
controller is configured to cause the engine sound enhancement
system to zero-out an amplitude of a sound enhancement signal of
the engine sound enhancement system, the sound enhancement signal
comprising a virtual engine or exhaust sound.
12. The system according to claim 6, wherein the controller is
configured to cause an advanced driver assisted technology system
to amplify an audible warning sound in response to the triggering
event.
13. The system according to claim 12, wherein the controller is
configured to: determine a sound level within the vehicle; and
amplify the audible warning sound in response to the sound
level.
14. A vehicle, comprising: a processor and memory, the processor
executing instructions stored in the memory to: determine a
triggering event using an advanced driver assisted technology
system; and control a sound enhancing system of the vehicle in
response to the triggering event, wherein controlling the sound
enhancing system includes attenuating engine or exhaust sound
produced by the sound enhancing system of the vehicle.
15. The vehicle according to claim 14, wherein the processor is
further configured to detect the triggering event based on output
generated by an advanced driver assisted technology system.
16. The vehicle according to claim 15, wherein the triggering event
includes a dangerous condition determined by the advanced driver
assisted technology system.
17. The vehicle according to claim 14, wherein the sound enhancing
system comprises an exhaust tuning valve system having an
adjustable position valve, wherein the controller is configured to
cause a valve to close in response to the triggering event to
attenuate exhaust sounds produced by the exhaust tuning valve
system.
18. The vehicle according to claim 14, wherein the sound enhancing
system comprises an engine sound enhancement system, wherein the
controller is configured to cause the engine sound enhancement
system to zero-out an amplitude of a sound enhancement signal of
the engine sound enhancement system, the sound enhancement signal
comprising a virtual engine or exhaust sound.
19. The vehicle according to claim 18, wherein the processor is
configured to cause an entertainment system to output an audible
warning sound in response to the triggering event.
20. The vehicle according to claim 19, wherein the processor is
configured to cause an advanced driver assisted technology system
or the entertainment system to amplify an audible warning sound in
response to the triggering event.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to vehicle sound attenuation,
and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to systems and
methods of attenuating enhanced vehicle sounds to optimize a
driver's ability to perceive audible in-vehicle alerts.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Ford's Lane Keeping Assist.TM. provides driver assistance by
producing a steering wheel vibration when the system detects an
unintended lane departure and can provide steering toque input
toward the lane center when the system detects an unintended lane
departure. Audible warnings can also be provided such as virtual
rumble strip sounds and beeps. These audible in-vehicle alerts are
provided through speakers within the cabin of the vehicle. Vehicles
may be equipped with engine sound enhancing features, such as an
exhaust tuning valve (EXTUN) and/or an engine sound enhancement
(ESE) control system, which create an audible performance aesthetic
for the vehicle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] The detailed description is set forth with reference to the
accompanying drawings. The use of the same reference numerals may
indicate similar or identical items. Various embodiments may
utilize elements and/or components other than those illustrated in
the drawings, and some elements and/or components may not be
present in various embodiments. Elements and/or components in the
figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Throughout this
disclosure, depending on the context, singular and plural
terminology may be used interchangeably.
[0004] FIG. 1A depicts an illustrative architecture in which
techniques and structures for providing the systems and methods
disclosed herein may be implemented.
[0005] FIG. 1B is a detail view of an example exhaust tuning valve
(EXTUN) system that can be selectively controlled using aspects of
the present disclosure.
[0006] FIG. 2 illustrates various driving conditions and the
delivery of audible in-vehicle alerts.
[0007] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of an example method of the present
disclosure.
[0008] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of another example method of the
present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Overview
[0009] The systems and methods disclosed herein can be configured
to attenuate vehicle sounds during times when audible warning
sounds are provided within a cabin of the vehicle. In general, the
systems and methods attenuate enhanced engine and exhaust sounds
created by EXTUN and/or ESE control systems. EXTUN is an active
exhaust acoustic tuning system that can use a variable position
EXTUN valve. The variable position EXTUN valve can be used to
selectively increase or decrease exhaust or engine sounds produced
by the vehicle. The systems and methods of the present disclosure
can also be used with passive exhaust acoustic tuning systems.
[0010] ESE control systems provide enhanced engine sounds through
the entertainment or legacy audio system of a vehicle. The ESE
control system implements an engine sound enhancement (ESE) or
sound-imposer algorithm, either by playing a pre-recorded engine
sound through the stereo system determined by engine load and RPM,
or having the microphone array capture sound signals from the drive
train, which the processor amplifies and tunes to give drivers a
better feel for the engine.
[0011] An in-vehicle driver warning system (also referred to as
advanced driver assisted technology) can be used to alert a driver
to events such as an impending lane departure, a lane change, a
potential collision, and/or when a vehicle is entering a
curve--just to name a few. The in-vehicle driver warning system can
include inducing vibration in a steering wheel or seat of the
vehicle. The in-vehicle driver warning system can also include
outputting audible tones or warnings output into the cabin of the
vehicle.
[0012] Systems and methods disclosed herein can be configured to
attenuate EXTUN and/or ESE control systems to improve the ability
of a user to hear audible warnings produced by an in-vehicle driver
warning system. Some example implementations include selectively
controlling a valve of an EXTUN control system to reduce exhaust
noise or terminating engine or exhaust sounds created by an ESE
control system.
Illustrative Embodiments
[0013] Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1A and 1B collectively
depict an illustrative architecture 100 in which techniques and
structures of the present disclosure may be implemented. The
illustrative architecture 100 may include a vehicle 102 comprising
a controller 104, an exhaust tuning valve system (EXTUN system
106), an engine sound enhancement system (ESE system 108), and an
advanced driver assisted technology system (ADAT system 110), and
an entertainment system 112. The EXTUN 106 and/or the ESE system
108 are collectively or individually referred to as a sound
enhancing system. In general, the EXTUN system 106 enhances engine
or exhaust sound through control of an EXTUN valve and the ESE
system 108 enhances engine or exhaust sound by the creation of
virtual engine or exhaust sounds provided through the entertainment
system 112. Additional details on these sound enhancing system(s)
are provided infra.
[0014] In some embodiments, the controller 104 may comprise a
processor 114 and memory 116. The memory 116 stores instructions
that are executed by the processor 114 to perform aspects vehicle
sound attenuation as disclosed throughout. When referring to
operations executed by the controller 104 it will be understood
that this includes the execution of instructions by the processor
114. Specific details regarding controller 104 functions with
respect to vehicle sound attenuation will be described in greater
detail infra with reference to various example use cases. In
general, the controller 104 can be a dedicated, stand-alone
processing unit that can be installed in any desired location in
the vehicle 102. In some embodiments, the controller 104 can be the
controller of the ADAT system 110. For example, the vehicle sound
attenuation features disclosed herein with respect to the
controller 104 can be implemented as executable logic that can be
provisioned in any controller of a vehicle system disclosed herein.
For brevity and clarity the controller 104 discussed herein will be
disclosed as a dedicated, stand-alone processing unit, but should
not be limited as such.
[0015] In various embodiments, the EXTUN system 106 can include an
active or passive system that is used to increase or decrease
exhaust sounds. In one embodiment, the EXTUN system 106 provides
active exhaust acoustic tuning (e.g., volume control) using a
variable position EXTUN valve. For example, the EXTUN system 106
can include a resonator 118, an exhaust pipe 120, a muffler 122,
and an EXTUN valve 124 (e.g., adjustable position valve). A
detailed view of the EXTUN system 106 is provided in FIG. 1B. In
some embodiments, multiple exhaust pipes, mufflers, and EXTUN
valves may be utilized. In general, the EXTUN system 106 is
controlled through an EXTUN controller 126 that includes a
processor 128 and memory 130. The EXTUN controller 126 can
selectively adjust the EXTUN valve 124 through various positions to
increase and/or decrease a volume of exhaust sound produced by the
EXTUN system 106. In general, the EXTUN system 106 can utilize
inputs such as exhaust mode, gear selection, engine RPM
(revolutions per minute), pedal position, and the like, to
determine a corresponding valve position (e.g., percent valve is
open or closed), as well as an overall sound level.
[0016] The ESE system 108 is generally configured to output virtual
engine and/or exhaust sounds into a cabin of the vehicle 102
through the entertainment system 112. For example, the ESE system
108 can create audio that amplifies or mimics engine sounds or
exhaust sounds. These sounds provide an audible aesthetic to users
within the vehicle 102. The ESE system 108 can also include an ESE
controller 132 having a processor 134 and memory 136.
[0017] In more detail, the ESE system 108 can dynamically generate
ESE sounds based upon the various controller area network (CAN)
inputs. The ESE system 108 can utilize a calibration file to relate
how a mock engine sound is to be generated in relation to the
various CAN inputs 148. In some embodiments, the ESE system 108 may
evaluate a drive mode or convertible state, an engine order, an
engine RPM, a pedal position, engine torque, and so forth to select
a corresponding sound level for the ESE output.
[0018] ESE audio can be generated by a Digital Audio Control Module
(DACMC) (such as a "daughter card" within the entertainment system
112). After the sound is generated, the entertainment system 112
can mix ESE audio with "main" audio ("main"=AM/FM/CD/Satellite)
inside the entertainment system 112, and route the mixed audio to
the appropriate speakers, such as speakers 115 associated with the
entertainment system 112. This process can be used to for systems
without a separate audio amplifier module (i.e., non-branded audio
systems).
[0019] Alternatively, the ESE audio (separate from the "main"
audio) can be routed to the audio amplifier module (could be
included in the entertainment system 112), and this audio amplifier
module mixes the ESE audio with the "main" audio. The mixed audio
is then to the appropriate speakers. This process can be used in
systems with a separate audio amplifier module (i.e., branded audio
systems). In general, the entertainment system 112 may be
responsible for providing the ESE audio with speakers in the cabin
(no under-hood/external speakers are used).
[0020] The ADAT system 110 is generally configured to use a
plurality of inputs from various associated sensors 111. Example
sensors can include cameras, radar, motion sensors, or other
similar sensors that determine if the vehicle is attempting to
change lanes, if there are adjacent vehicles that would pose a
collision concern, if the vehicle is approaching a road curvature,
or any other similar vehicle event that can be used as the basis
for providing a driver the vehicle with advanced warning. The ADAT
system 110 can comprise an ADAT controller 138 having a processor
140 and memory 142. The ADAT controller 138 can be communicatively
coupled with the entertainment system 112 in some embodiments. The
ADAT controller 138 can generate output in the form of audible
warning signals provided through the entertainment system 112. The
audible warning signals could include warning tones, natural or
spoken language words or phrases, rumble strip sounds, and so
forth. The ADAT controller 138 can also effectuate other warnings
such as steering wheel vibrations, automatic steering wheel
control, vehicle deceleration, and so forth.
[0021] As noted above, the controller 104 can be configured to
attenuate sounds created by either or both of the EXTUN system 106
and the ESE system 108 when the ADAT system 110 has created audible
warning signals that are to be output by the entertainment system
112. The controller 104 can attenuate sounds produced by the EXTUN
system 106 by causing the EXTUN controller 126 to open or close the
EXTUN valve 124 to reduce a sound level emitted by the exhaust
system of the vehicle 102. The opening or closing of the EXTUN
valve 124 can be accomplished through a connected actuator such as
a motor or solenoid. The controller 104 can attenuate sounds
produced by the ESE system 108 by causing the ESE controller 132 to
reduce or zero-out an amplitude of audio signals generated by the
ESE system 108 that would be output through the entertainment
system 112. In some embodiments, the controller 104 can instruct
the ADAT system 110 to increase a volume for the audible warning
sounds. In one example embodiment, the ADAT system 110 can cause
the entertainment system 112 to increase volume prior to playing
audible warning sounds through the vehicle speakers.
[0022] Specific use case examples follow which provide additional
details regarding direct or indirect control of the EXTUN system
106 and/or the ESE system 108 by the controller 104 to attenuate
sounds that would distract the user when an audible warning signal
is output by the ADAT system 110 and/or the entertainment system
112. In various embodiments, the controller 104 can be triggered to
cause the EXTUN system 106 and/or the ESE system 108 to attenuate
their respective sounds when the controller 104 determines that the
ADAT system 110 has output an audible warning sound. In various
embodiments, the sounds of the EXTUN system 106 and/or the ESE
system 108 can be attenuated before the audible warning sound is
output through speakers associated with the entertainment system
112.
[0023] Referring now collectively to FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2, which
illustrate an example use case for implementing the systems and
methods disclosed herein. In general, FIG. 2 illustrates a vehicle
in a lane departure scenario where an example ADAT system 110
detects a leftward lane departure of the vehicle 102. When the
vehicle 102 departs leftward, the example ADAT system 110 outputs a
beep or audible rumble strip sound 202 from the leftmost speakers
within the vehicle 102. The same scenario occurs when a rightward
lane departure of the vehicle 102 is detected by the ADAT system
110. In this instance, the example ADAT system 110 outputs a beep
or audible rumble strip sound 204 from the rightmost speakers
within the vehicle 102. To be sure, the ADAT system 110 can provide
the output signals to an entertainment system 112 of the vehicle
102.
[0024] When the ADAT system 110 determines a risk of collision with
an overtaking vehicle in an adjacent lane (even if the turn signals
are operating), the ADAT system 110 can activate steering control
to assist in avoiding a collision. In another example, when a
dynamic radar cruise control with full speed range is in operation,
a lane departure alert of the ADAT system 110 warns the driver by
vibrating the steering wheel or sounding an audible alert. An
indicator may also be provided in a multi-information display and
within an available heads up display (if present). The ADAT system
110 can also apply steering assistance to help the driver in
avoiding a lane departure.
[0025] In general, the controller 104 can detect triggering events
related to dangerous driving conditions for the vehicle 102. The
triggering events can be detected by the ADAT system 110 based on
sensor input. Thus, the controller 104 can determine when the ADAT
system 110 senses a triggering event. This process is implemented
within the DAT system 110, when the vehicle sound attenuation
features of the present disclosure are implemented at the ADAT
system 110 level.
[0026] The controller 104 can be used to ensure that audible
warnings can be clearly communicated to the user by reducing or
eliminating noise generated by engine and/or exhaust. This can
include scheduling an engine 144 of the vehicle 102 to enter a
quiet operate mode, controlling the EXTUN system 106 to close the
EXTUN valve 124 to close to reduce a magnitude of sound produced by
the exhaust system of the vehicle 102. In some embodiments, a quiet
operating mode can be effectuating by determining more or less
active exhaust valve control opening position (i.e., more or less
noisy). This would allow for other considerations to be taken into
account such as requirements for a "noisier operation" due to load
restriction avoidance for max power if accelerator pedal depressed
to large degree or for more airflow required during catalyst
heating or particulate filter regeneration operation. These
requests could also be ignored during specific FMEM (failure mode
effects management) operations for other exhaust devices, such as
when closing the EXTUN valve 124 for quiet mode might lead to
engine exhaust valve lift in the cylinder due to excessive
back-pressure.
[0027] The controller 104 can also control, directly or indirectly,
the ESE system 108 to ensure that little to no amplification of
engine sounds is produced. The ESE system 108 can respond by
reducing or zeroing out any desired amplitude of a sound
enhancement signal produced by the ESE system 108 so as to reduce
or eliminate virtual engine or exhaust sounds that are delivered to
the cabin of the vehicle 102 through the entertainment system 112.
Control of the engine 144 can be effectuated through a native
electronic engine control system of the vehicle 102.
[0028] In one example embodiment, the ESE calibration used to
reduce or zero-out amplitudes can be table-based. In another
embodiment, the ESE calibration used to reduce or zero-out
amplitudes could include an equation where the ESE output is a
function of engine speed, pedal position (e.g., throttle), engine
torqued, vehicle drive mode, or various combinations and/or
permutations thereof.
[0029] The ESE system 108 can utilize sensor inputs from a lane
changing controller such as the ADAT system 110 rather than waiting
for commands from a vehicle PCM (engine speed dependent) as this
may add latency. Alternately the ESE system 108 can amplify an
audible warning sound based on a direction of lane change (left or
right lane). For example, if the vehicle 102 attempts a left/right
lane change the ESE system 108 can amplify any audible warning
sound by sending a beep or rumble strip on the left/right
speaker(s). As noted above, vehicle sound attenuation features
disclosed herein can be implemented within the ADAT system 110 to
reduce latency. That is, when the ADAT system 110 is about to
output an audible warning sound, the ADAT system 110 can execute
the vehicle sound attenuation feature to cause the EXTUN system 106
and/or the ESE system 108 to attenuate any sound being
produced.
[0030] Another example use case relates to instances where the ADAT
system 110 has detected a potential collision. The ADAT system 110
can determine from one or more of the sensors 111, such as a
millimeter-wave radar that a collision with an adjacent vehicle is
likely. That is, the millimeter wave radar can be used to track an
adjacent vehicle by monitoring its position. When the vehicle 102
implements a vehicle following function to follow the preceding
vehicle a line graphic leading to the vehicle ahead appears in a
multi-information display (such as the entertainment system 112, a
head's up display, or other human machine interface). The ADAT
system 110 applies steering control to follow the adjacent vehicle
at a specified distance. In these situations, as well as other
collision-prone conditions such as traffic jams any enhanced
vehicle sounds produced by the EXTUN system 106 and/or the ESE
system 108 can be attenuated in response to the ADAT system 110
producing audible warning sounds.
[0031] Another example use case includes the vehicle 102 entering a
curved area of a road. In general, the vehicle 102 can utilize
navigation data (from an onboard navigation system, which is not
shown) to determine if the vehicle is entering a curve too fast.
The ADAT system 110 is generally configured to prompt the driver
with a visible and/or audible warning. The ADAT system 110 can also
automatically and smoothly decelerate the vehicle if the system
detects gentle meandering or abrupt steering indicating that the
driver may have lost concentration. In another embodiment, a
vehicle sway warning can be implemented to alert the driver by
sounding an audible alert and showing a message in the multi
information display if the system detects that the drivers hands
are off the steering wheel the lane tracing assist hands off wheel
warning appears in the multi information display and an audible
alert is sounded lane change assist can automatically perform a
lane change.
[0032] When in a curve related situation, abrupt steering
operation, or lost concentration situation by the driver, the ADAT
system 110 can be controlled to attenuate virtual engine and/or
exhaust sounds (such as take-off/acceleration sounds). That is,
these sounds can be optimized to produce a more quiet
engine/exhaust sound by controlling the engine 144 of the vehicle
102 to enter a quiet operate mode (described in greater detail
supra), controlling the EXTUN system 106 to close the EXTUN valve
124 to close to reduce a magnitude of sound produced by the exhaust
system of the vehicle 102. In some embodiments, this attenuation
includes zeroing out an amplitude from ESE system 108 during any of
these operating conditions, allowing the driver to prioritize
audible warning sounds produced by the ADAT system 110. In various
embodiments, the ADAT system 110 can amplify an audible warning
sound based on a direction of lane change (left or right lane), as
discussed above.
[0033] In some embodiments, sound level measurements can be made
within the cabin of the vehicle 102 by obtaining sound level
measurements using a microphone 146 within the vehicle 102. In
these instances, the controller 104 can measure a current decibel
level within the vehicle 102 and provide this volume level
assessment to the ADAT system 110. The ADAT system 110 can utilize
this volume level assessment to select a desired volume level for
audible warning sounds. In this way, the ADAT system 110 can ensure
that the volume or amplitude of the audible warning sounds is
greater than any ambient noise or sounds currently detectable
within the cabin of the vehicle 102 through the microphone 146.
Such a feature is valuable when attempting to overcome natural
engine sounds produce by the engine of the vehicle 102, even when
the sounds produced by the EXTUN and/or ESE systems have already
been attenuated.
[0034] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of an example method of vehicle sound
attenuation. The method can include a step 302 of monitoring or
determining if a triggering event has been detected. The triggering
event could include any of a lane change, a collision warning, an
approaching curve, or any other driving related event where an ADAT
system has been programmed to warn a driver using an audible
warning sound.
[0035] Again, a lane change could be due to an intentional movement
of the steering wheel or from inattentive driving. Collision
warnings could be determined in combination with lane changes or
alone when a potential collision with another vehicle is otherwise
determined.
[0036] The method can include a step 304 of maintaining an EXTUN
and/or ESE system in a regular, active state if no triggering event
has been detected. If a triggering event is detected, the method
can include a step 306 of controlling the EXTUN and/or ESE system
to attenuate any sound produced by either of these systems. For
example, this can include scheduling the engine to reduce engine
noise, such as reducing acceleration of the engine that might
produce excess noise. Sound produced by the EXTUN system can be
attenuated when an EXTUN valve is adjusted to a more closed or
entirely closed position. Virtual engine sounds produced by the ESE
system can be attenuated by zeroing an amplitude of the virtual
engine sounds.
[0037] The method can also include a step 308 of amplifying an
audible warning sound produced by the ADAT system. Amplification
ensures that the driver has a greater chance of hearing the audible
warning sound when engine sounds and/or EXTUN and/or ESE system
sounds cannot be completely attenuated. For example, it may be
disadvantageous to reduce a driver's ability to accelerate in
situations where evasive driving maneuvers are needed to avoid a
collision. Thus, it may be deleterious to reduce natural engine
sounds produced by the engine of the vehicle. In these instances,
increasing the amplitude of the audible warning sounds may ensure
that the driver has a greater chance of hearing the audible warning
sound. The method can also include a step of providing the
amplified audible warning sound to an occupant of the vehicle. This
can include playing the amplified audible warning sound through the
speakers of the vehicle.
[0038] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of another example method of the
present disclosure. The method can include a step 402 of
determining a triggering event for a vehicle using an advanced
driver assisted technology system. Again, the triggering event can
include any dangerous vehicle-related condition determined by the
advanced driver assisted technology system such as a lane
departure, potential collision, or road curvature--just to name a
few. The method can also include a step 404 of controlling a sound
enhancing system of the vehicle in response to the triggering
event. To be sure, this can include attenuating engine or exhaust
sound produced by the sound enhancing system of the vehicle. Next,
the method can include a step 406 of providing an audible warning
sound in response to the triggering event. To be sure, the
provision of the audible warning sound occurs after the attenuation
of the engine or exhaust sound produced by the sound enhancing
system of the vehicle. In some embodiments, attenuation of the
engine or exhaust sound produced by the sound enhancing system can
occur based on an impending output of the audible warning sound by
the advanced driver assisted technology system.
[0039] In the above disclosure, reference has been made to the
accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, which illustrate
specific implementations in which the present disclosure may be
practiced. It is understood that other implementations may be
utilized, and structural changes may be made without departing from
the scope of the present disclosure. References in the
specification to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "an example
embodiment," etc., indicate that the embodiment described may
include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but
every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular
feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are
not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a
particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in
connection with an embodiment, one skilled in the art will
recognize such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection
with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.
[0040] Implementations of the systems, apparatuses, devices, and
methods disclosed herein may comprise or utilize a special purpose
or general-purpose computer including computer hardware, such as,
for example, one or more processors and system memory, as discussed
herein. Implementations within the scope of the present disclosure
may also include physical and other computer-readable media for
carrying or storing computer-executable instructions and/or data
structures. Such computer-readable media can be any available media
that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose
computer system. Computer-readable media that stores
computer-executable instructions is computer storage media
(devices). Computer-readable media that carries computer-executable
instructions is transmission media. Thus, by way of example, and
not limitation, implementations of the present disclosure can
comprise at least two distinctly different kinds of
computer-readable media: computer storage media (devices) and
transmission media.
[0041] Computer storage media (devices) includes RAM, ROM, EEPROM,
CD-ROM, solid state drives (SSDs) (e.g., based on RAM), flash
memory, phase-change memory (PCM), other types of memory, other
optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic
storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store
desired program code means in the form of computer-executable
instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a
general purpose or special purpose computer.
[0042] An implementation of the devices, systems, and methods
disclosed herein may communicate over a computer network. A
"network" is defined as one or more data links that enable the
transport of electronic data between computer systems and/or
modules and/or other electronic devices. When information is
transferred or provided over a network or another communications
connection (either hardwired, wireless, or any combination of
hardwired or wireless) to a computer, the computer properly views
the connection as a transmission medium. Transmission media can
include a network and/or data links, which can be used to carry
desired program code means in the form of computer-executable
instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a
general purpose or special purpose computer. Combinations of the
above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable
media.
[0043] Computer-executable instructions comprise, for example,
instructions and data which, when executed at a processor, cause a
general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or special
purpose processing device to perform a certain function or group of
functions. The computer-executable instructions may be, for
example, binaries, intermediate format instructions such as
assembly language, or even source code. Although the subject matter
has been described in language specific to structural features
and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject
matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to
the described features or acts described above. Rather, the
described features and acts are disclosed as example forms of
implementing the claims.
[0044] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present
disclosure may be practiced in network computing environments with
many types of computer system configurations, including in-dash
vehicle computers, personal computers, desktop computers, laptop
computers, message processors, handheld devices, multi-processor
systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics,
network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, mobile telephones,
PDAs, tablets, pagers, routers, switches, various storage devices,
and the like. The disclosure may also be practiced in distributed
system environments where local and remote computer systems, which
are linked (either by hardwired data links, wireless data links, or
by any combination of hardwired and wireless data links) through a
network, both perform tasks. In a distributed system environment,
program modules may be located in both the local and remote memory
storage devices.
[0045] Further, where appropriate, the functions described herein
can be performed in one or more of hardware, software, firmware,
digital components, or analog components. For example, one or more
application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) can be programmed
to carry out one or more of the systems and procedures described
herein. Certain terms are used throughout the description and
claims refer to particular system components. As one skilled in the
art will appreciate, components may be referred to by different
names. This document does not intend to distinguish between
components that differ in name, but not function.
[0046] It should be noted that the sensor embodiments discussed
above may comprise computer hardware, software, firmware, or any
combination thereof to perform at least a portion of their
functions. For example, a sensor may include computer code
configured to be executed in one or more processors and may include
hardware logic/electrical circuitry controlled by the computer
code. These example devices are provided herein for purposes of
illustration and are not intended to be limiting. Embodiments of
the present disclosure may be implemented in further types of
devices, as would be known to persons skilled in the relevant
art(s).
[0047] At least some embodiments of the present disclosure have
been directed to computer program products comprising such logic
(e.g., in the form of software) stored on any computer-usable
medium. Such software, when executed in one or more data processing
devices, causes a device to operate as described herein.
[0048] While various embodiments of the present disclosure have
been described above, it should be understood that they have been
presented by way of example only, and not limitation. It will be
apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art that various
changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing
from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the
breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not be limited
by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments but should be
defined only in accordance with the following claims and their
equivalents. The foregoing description has been presented for the
purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be
exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure to the precise form
disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light
of the above teaching. Further, it should be noted that any or all
of the aforementioned alternate implementations may be used in any
combination desired to form additional hybrid implementations of
the present disclosure. For example, any of the functionality
described with respect to a particular device or component may be
performed by another device or component. Further, while specific
device characteristics have been described, embodiments of the
disclosure may relate to numerous other device characteristics.
Further, although embodiments have been described in language
specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is
to be understood that the disclosure is not necessarily limited to
the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific
features and acts are disclosed as illustrative forms of
implementing the embodiments. Conditional language, such as, among
others, "can," "could," "might," or "may," unless specifically
stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as
used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments
could include, while other embodiments may not include, certain
features, elements, and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language
is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and/or
steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments.
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